Baptism

Baptism, the first and fundamental sacrament, is the gate to the other sacraments. Baptism is the purifying and sanctifying sacrament of rebirth and the means by which its recipients are incorporated into the Church in a bond of unity.

Baptism is the first sacrament of Christian initiation. It is the sacrament that frees a person from original sin and makes that person a member of Christ and His Church, thus being the way to a new and spiritual life. It is administered by immersing the recipient in water or by pouring water on the person’s head “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." One must be baptized before sharing in any of the other sacraments. Baptism is the foundation for all ministry and life in the church, and confers a commitment to follow Christ and spread his message throughout the world. Furthermore, in baptism, one is incorporated into the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, and thereby participates in the gift of resurrection and eternal life with Christ.

Infants can be baptized soon after birth. At the time of baptism, parents vow to practice their faith and provide a Catholic upbringing for the child. Adults who have never been baptized take part in the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), and will typically be baptized at the Easter Vigil. The Catholic Church recognizes baptisms from other Christian denominations that baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, a Catholic can be baptized only once.

For the Catechism of the Catholic Church on the Sacrament of Baptism, click here.

In Lexington

The community extends our prayers and good wishes to all families anticipating a new child through birth or adoption. Baptisms take place as follows:

Sacred Heart: Third Sunday of the month, during the 10:00 a.m. Mass. The congregation witnesses the ceremony, and welcomes the child as a new member of the parish community. Baptism preparation is on the first Sunday of the month following the 10:00 a.m. Mass. To sign up, please contact: SacredHeartBaptism@lexingtoncatholic.org

Saint Brigid: Fourth Sunday of the month at 12:30 p.m. in the church. The family, godparents and friends witness and celebrate the baptism. Preparation is on the second Sunday of the month in the Parish Center Library following the 11:00 a.m. Mass.

Please contact the Lexington Catholic Community offices at SaintBrigidBaptism@lexingtoncatholic.org in advance of your child’s arrival, so that arrangements can be made for you to participate in our Baptismal Preparation Program.

Adults interested in Baptism or joining the Catholic Church should contact the staff person for the RCIA program at RCIA@lexingtoncatholic.org